TRACK CYCLING PRESS

South Africa’s track cyclists have collected 9 gold medals, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals in the first two events of three in the South East Asia Grand Prix Series taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 10-16 May 2014.

The first event, which was held on 10 and 11 May, saw 18-year-old Joshua Buchel claim 2 silver medals in the Junior Points and Junior Scratch races. In the Elite Women’s Omnium, Maroesjka Matthee claimed a bronze medal, with French woman Laurie Berthon claiming gold. Rain prevented further competition on the outdoor track.

The second Grand Prix took place on 13 May, with South Africa yielding more medals and the start of their gold medal haul. The Elite Men Team Pursuit event saw Kellan Gouveris, Evan Carstens. Theuns van der Bank and Morne van Niekerk race to victory, claiming gold ahead of Uzbekistan (2nd) and the host nation, Malaysia (3rd). The Junior Men’s team of Waylin Young, Joshua Buchel, Graeme Ockhuis and Stefan de Bod claimed gold by more than 4 seconds in the Junior Men’s Team Pursuit. Two Malaysian teams rounded out the podium.

In the individual races, 18-year-old Stefan de Bod claimed a gold medal in the Points race, while Waylin Young (17) won a silver medal in the Junior Men’s Scratch race. HB Kruger claimed a silver medal in the Elite Men’s Points race, while Maroesjka Matthee settled for a bronze medal in the Elite Women’s Points race.

Rain once again forced the remainder of the events to be halted. The third Grand Prix takes place tomorrow, Friday 16 May.

Cycling South Africa

Cycling South Africa is the governing body of cycling in South Africa and is a member of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It is affiliated to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) as well as the Department of Sport & Recreation. Cycling South Africa regulates the five major disciplines within the sport, both amateur and professional, which include: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking, BMX Biking, Track Cycling and Para-Cycling. Cycling South Africa’s “2020 Vision” strategy, to cater for both the elite cyclist as well as the everyday two- and three-wheel lovers, contributes to the organisation being a dynamic, successful and highly respected governing body of cycling, at both National and International level. Cycling South Africa is committed to transformation and development of the sport and making it accessible to all via its development programmes.